A Walk Of Faith
Father David Munge of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi rides a donkey through Lamu Old Town as he joins the faithful in marking Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026. KALUME KAZUNGU | Nation
Text: Joan Pereruan
The sun had just risen over Nairobi on this Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026. Streets near the city’s main churches were already filled with people carrying green palm branches, blessed at their local parishes. The air was alive with the chants of “Hosanna to the Highest!”, echoing the biblical story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
In Lamu Old Town, Father David Munge of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi rode a donkey as he joined the faithful in the archipelago, marking Palm Sunday with a symbolic reenactment of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Meanwhile, in Kisumu, worshippers marched through Oginga Odinga Street, waving their palms and singing hymns, a tradition observed by both Catholic and Anglican communities.
Clergy used the occasion to call for peace and unity. The Legion of Mary reminded Kenyans to embrace justice and reconciliation amid rising political tensions ahead of the elections.
For families who couldn’t attend the large gatherings, smaller home-based blessings and prayers kept the spirit alive. By afternoon, the streets were quiet again, but in hearts across Kenya, the message of Palm Sunday—humility, hope, and peace—remained, marking the beginning of Holy Week.
Catholic faithful attend Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Nakuru Town on March 29, 2026. Catholic worshippers celebrated Palm Sunday. BONIFACE MWANGI | Nation
Catholic faithful gather at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Kabete on March 29, 2026, to celebrate Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week. BILLY OGADA | Nation
Catholic faithful gather at the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family in Nairobi on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, to mark the beginning of Holy Week with prayer, procession, and reflection. DENNIS ONSONGO | Nation
Father Michael Karanja of St. Raphael Catholic Church in Kabete leads the Palm Sunday Mass on March 29, 2026, marking the beginning of Holy Week. BILLY OGADA | Nation
Catholic faithful gather at St. Raphael Catholic church Kabete on March 29, 2026 to celebrate Palm Sunday. BILLY OGADA | Nation
Alter boys kneel during mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family in Nairobi on Palm Sunday. DENNIS ONSONGO | Nation
Faithful at the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family in Nairobi mark Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week on March 29, 2026. DENNIS ONSONGO | Nation
A processional crucifix is seen as catholic faithful mark Palm Sunday at Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family on Sunday, March 29, 2026 DENNIS ONSONGO | Nation
